Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – In a significant step toward advancing Somalia’s democratization efforts, the Presidents of South West and Galmudug States, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoor Qoor), officially registered for voter identification cards today at their respective residences. This marks the formal launch of voter registration activities in their territories, under the supervision of the National Independent Electoral Commission.
President Laftagareen of South West State took part in the inaugural ceremony of the voter registration campaign in the South West regions. He became the first individual to receive a voter identification card there—symbolizing both leadership and commitment to the process. During the event, he called on residents of South West to actively participate by registering in large numbers. He emphasized that public involvement is essential to ensuring the success of the “People and Voice” elections—a national initiative led by the Federal Government of Somalia aimed at introducing universal suffrage throughout the country.
Meanwhile, President Ahmed Kariye Qoor Qoor of Galmudug encouraged citizens in Dhusamareb and other areas under his administration to seize the opportunity to register. He highlighted the importance of inclusive participation in the ongoing registration process, which he described as a foundation for Somalia’s move toward democratic governance.
The voter registration activities across both South West and Galmudug states were attended by a wide array of stakeholders, including members of regional parliaments, officials from the National Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission, and representatives from civil society organizations. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration and transparency in the electoral process.
Notably, both regional leaders—Laftagareen and Qoor Qoor—are affiliated with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s political movement. President Mohamud is spearheading efforts to shift Somalia from a clan-based power-sharing system to a more representative, direct electoral model. The goal is to enable Somali citizens to elect local councils, members of parliament, and eventually, the president through a one-person, one-vote system.
This move toward broader voter registration is viewed as a major milestone in Somalia’s journey toward democratic consolidation, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.